10 tips to up the ante at your festive gatherings

Everything you need to know to make your celebration a success
- byDiana Moore

17 Dec
2018

Nicky Ryan

A great party takes good planning and a concentrated effort in the lead up so you and your guests can enjoy yourselves on the day. Here's how to manage tasks so the load is shared over time.

Chris Warnes

1. Plan, plan, plan

Decide early on – before you even send out invitation what sort of party it’s to be – a seated dinner party, cocktails or a BBQ lunch. Having a picture in your head of how you want the day to play out is important for decision making.

2. Make lists and stick to them

Guest lists, To Do lists, shopping list, menus

It’s easy to get distracted from your party by other activities, housework and general home duties. Stay on track for the party this time.

3. Buy non-perishable items ahead of time

You can start purchasing drinks, paper napkins, plastic cups and decorations well ahead of time. Buy a little each week with your normal grocery shopping so it’s not a great haul all at once. This will help get you in the mood and stay focused on the party ahead.

Chris Warnes

4. Test new recipes

Whilst it’s a great idea to try new recipes for cocktails, salads and desserts each time your have a party, flying blind is asking for trouble you wont have time for. To ensure everything tastes as it should and cooking times reflect the recipes, test everything in the lead up to the party.

5. Block of the weekend ahead of your party to clear and clean

There’s a lot to be done on the day before and party day itself. Do the thorough cleaning ahead of time so a quick once-over is all that’s needed on the morning of the party.

6. Put your kitchen through its paces

This is what your kitchen was made for! Clear away every day clutter, banish the bread bin and hid the toaster. Anything you don’t need for food prep on the day itself is taking up valuable real estate at the action station.

Nicky Ryan

7. Serve food with flair

Get out all of your best platters and serving dishes to show off your food in the best possible way. Allow time to “plate up” so dips and crudites are appealing to the eye, cheese has time to come to room temperature and drinks are chilled nicely for guests on arrival. Keep food simple and easy to prepare.

8. Accept all offers of help

Enlist the whole family so everyone’s involved and can make a contribution to the success of the event. Have kids clean their own rooms and fetch and carry for you. If friends offer to make a salad or a dessert, encourage them to do so. If everyone contributes to the day the mood is one of shared celebration.

9.Deck the halls

Whip through on the day of the party with a basket or a big bag and fill it with any erroneous objects, then pop it in the laundry, attic or garage – it’s only for one day!

Allow time to decorate your entrance beautifully and create a welcoming atmosphere as your guests enter your home. Let them know it’s a celebration as soon as they arrive!

10. Be realistic

If it’s not on the list, leave it until last. Adding items and tasks to your list will take you away from what needs to be done so the event is a success. Don’t overwhelm yourself with cleaning tasks that no-one will notice the difference of and concentrate on the things they will see and use. Close doors if you have to! Once your list is all ticked off, you’ll have time for any extra touches.

Diana MooreContent expert, florist and interior decorator Diana Moore has been passionate about helping others make the perfect home ever since she moved into her own. From styling her local bar to feel like your best friend’s lounge room, to randomly restyling people’s bookshelves, Diana is a firm believer in making the best of what you have in front of you.